How to grow Sandalwood - the most expensive wood in world

The most expensive wood in the world could be sandalwood tree. The highest quality sandalwood variety can fetch a price of up to Rs 10,000 per kg. The sale and processing of sandalwood is fully under control of the government.

Sandalwood is widely cultivated in India and Australia. Natural sandalwood trees can be found in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in India.

In Kerala, sandalwood trees are growing in natural habitat in an area of 63 sq. km. at Marayur in Idukki district. 211 forest guards are appointed for the protection of these sandalwood trees. Many cases of sandalwood smuggling are reported from here every year. Sandalwood trees are protected by law.

A prior permission should be sought from the government in order to cut sandalwood trees from protected forest area or eco-sensitive zones. Even when sandalwood is cut from a private property, government permission is required.

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Farming method

About 7-8 months old saplings that have grown up to a height of one feet are planted for cultivation. Ideal pH value of soil is between 6.5 and 7.5.

Dig holes that have 1.5 feet length, width and depth leaving a distance of 3 metres between them.

Fill the holes with cow dung powder and soil before planting the saplings.

Sandalwood trees require only moderate irrigation. Too much watering will perish the plant.

Sandalwood roots need presence of other plants at a distance of 1.5-2 metres in order to easily absorb nutrients from the soil.